Top Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Your Headshot Session
Mistake #1 - Neglecting to Communicate
A well-crafted headshot can make a lasting impression and enhance your personal brand. However, there are a few mistakes that can hinder the success of your headshot session. In this blog post, I will share with you the top mistakes you should avoid when preparing for your next headshot session. That way you'll receive the portraits you are looking for.
It is crucial to discuss your goals, target audience, and any specific preferences you may have regarding style, location, or background. By establishing clear communication with your photographer, you can ensure that they understand your vision and tailor the session accordingly.
That's the reason why I send a questionnaire to all my clients once they book with me.
Mistake #2 - Lack of Preparation
Preparing for your headshot session involves more than just showing up on the day.
People often overlook the importance of grooming, wardrobe selection, and practicing various expressions. Outfits should align with your personal brand or the image you wish to portray. You can also practice different facial expressions in the mirror to feel more confident during the session and to know what kind of smile / no smile you want on your headshots.
Not coming prepared
There are a few things you have to get ready before coming to your session to make it a success.
It includes: having your outfit ready, your hair and makeup done and arriving on time so that you won't feel rushed or stressed.
Not bringing the right outfits
Your outfit is key to communicate who you are and what you do.
Before selecting it, you need to ask yourself what kind of message you want to convey. To help you decide, consider what you might wear when meeting a client knowing that every industry has a different social code. Whether you go for a suit and tie, a semi-casual or a casual style, the objective is to show your personality. Wear something that fits you really well, neither too tight or too baggy. I also encourage you to stick to solid colors.
If you are not sure about what you want, you can bring 2 outfits or for example have one headshot with a jacket and another one without it.
Not looking like yourself
A headshot should reflect who you are, so stay yourself. Selecting outfits, or makeup that you wouldn’t normally wear might make you feel uncomfortable, which will show on your pictures.
The best is to keep it natural. This includes hair, make-up and outfits.
An (almost!) everyday look is important to be sure people recognize you.
Mistake #3 - Neglecting Professional Hair and Makeup
Those are the top mistakes to avoid when preparing for your headshot Session. It can significantly impact the quality of your headshot and the overall success of your session. You can ensure a headshot that accurately represents your brand and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Remember, a well-crafted headshot is an investment in your personal brand and professional success.
Find more about me and my brand photography sessions
People often ask me what are the differences between headshots and branding pictures. So let’s dedicate a full blog to it!
Headshots and branding photo sessions are very different, in terms of preparation, content, duration and price! They have one common thing tough. Headshots are included in a personal branding session but your personal brand session will include so much more than that.
You are going to get a lot lot of information here under but don’t worry, I have resources to help you through both your headshots and branding journeys!
HEADSHOTS PICTURES
I usually deliver 3 to 5 high resolution edited images after a headshots session. The pictures will mostly be taken from the waist up. You can select two outfits, combine standing and sitting poses, in one location. I will dedicate another blog to the different headshot backgrounds options!
BRANDING OR PERSONAL BRANDING PICTURES ARE VERY DIFFERENT
A personal branding session is 100% customized to your needs. Each element, such as the outfits you will wear, the locations we will select and your brand colors, will be carefully studied. They will help showcase the uniqueness of your brand and personality.
It will include headshots, your work environment, your business vibe, some lifestyle shots, pictures showing your personality, your creative process, details… and so MUCH more!
As your session is unique, planning is crucial. It helps me understand what you need, your business, your brand, your goals and the messages you want to share. I will also get a better view on how you will use the images, what makes you unique, who your ideal client is.
On the session day, my goal is to understand your brand so well that I can articulate everything as if it was my own.
Personal Brand session typically last half a day or a full day and include different outfits and locations.
It also includes a commercial right to the images. It means that you can use all the high and web resolution edited images for any business communication without restriction.
LEARN MORE!
As you can see, the differences between headshots and a branding pictures are huge! If you feel overwhelmed, this is totally normal. I have create, for my headshots and branding clients, two dedicated 15 pages Welcome Guide to explain the specificities, the process and what to expect. It will answer all your questions!
You can also go and check the dedicated sections on my website for more information: Branding / Headshots
And read this blog to know more about Laure Photography!
